The motherboard we choose is Gigabyte's latest mini-ITX size motherboard, the GA-H55N-USB3 and measuring only 17cm x 17cm. This board support Intel Core i7/i5/i3 series processors and comes with a horde of features that other mini-ITX boaeds cannot match: Intel H55 Express Chipset with Integrated Graphics (so no need for additional graphics card), upto 8G of DDR3-1666 memory, 1x PCI-Express 2.0 x16 Slot (in case you want to disable onboard graphics), 4x SATA2 Ports, 1x eSATA2 Port, 8x USB 2.0 Ports (4 rear, 4 by headers); 2x USB 3.0 Port, Realtek ALC892R 7.1-Channel High Definition Audio, Realtek RTL8111E Gigabit Ethernet Controller, 1x DVI Port; 1x VGA Port; 1x HDMI Port; 1x optical S/PDIF-out Port; 1x RJ45 LAN Port; Audio I/O Jacks
For processor, we choose Intel Core i5 Processor i5-661 3.33GHz 4MB LGA1156. It has 3.33GHz speed and can be Turbo-Boost up to 3.60GHz. It also has Intel HD graphics. Built for mainstream users who might occasionally require some additional performance, this CPU features Intel's exclusive 45nm architecture, ideal for users interested in surfing the Web, checking email, shopping online, manipulating images, downloading, and watching HD videos—all at the same time.
For the graphics card (optional), we choose ATI’s Sapphire Radeon HD 5770 1 GB DDR5 2DVI/HDMI/DisplayPort PCI-Express Video Card 100283-3L. Now you can experience real innovation in DirectX 11 gaming with ATI Radeon HD 5700 Series graphics processors. Loaded with advanced technology, these GPUs have the power and premium features you need for enhanced Video display and fully immersive gameplay as well. Using ATI Stream technology, accelerate even the most demanding applications and do more than ever with your PC. The first GPUs in this class to offer full support for DirectX 11, these GPUs enable rich, realistic visuals and explosive HD gaming performance so you can dominate the competition. The HDMI adaptor has 7.1 surround sound supports and delivers audio and video output on a single HDMI cable.
As for the PC case for our Mini ITX board, there is no better choice than Silverstone SUGO 07, a super-small footprint case (est 30cm x 20cm x 17cm height). Although small, it packs a punch above its weight. This case is cool and quiet. The unit is going to be stored in a mostly enclosed audio tower, along with my other AV equipment. The audio tower does have a 120mm fan at the top and bottom, so there is air movement so my devices don't build up heat and cook. The stock heatsink and fan are only audible if you have the case off and ear next to the fan. Alternatively, you can installed a 3rd party liquid cooler to get no sound. After it had been on for an hour, it was only as warm as touching someone else's hand. As for the audio, I needed all of my outputs (8 channel audio and uncompressed video) from my HTPC to feed into a Onkyo 7.1 receiver and act as a pass through to my 47" Samsung LCD TV. This Intel-based system was just able to perform the tasks I needed in this scenario. The thing that really surprised me is that when I had my HDMI hooked up from my HTPC to my Onkyo receiver, Windows 7 64bit actually detected the model of receiver it had and defaulted my audio to 8 channels automatically...without any messing around with drivers, settings, or reboots.
The major components are:
Intel Core i5 Processor i5-661 3.33GHz 4MB LGA1156 CPU BX80616I5661
Gigabyte Socket 1156/Intel H55/USB3/A&V&GbE/Mini-ITX Motherboard GA-H55N-USB3
Silverstone 6x Blu-Ray Burner BD-RE/8x DVD±RW DL SATA Slim Optical Drive TOB01
